We’ve a fantastic programme of events set up for the weekend, with a variety of activities to suit both young and old!
Let us know about which events you’d like to attend by registering your interest Register here
Launch of ‘Canada’s Wicklow Roots’ Exhibition
Guest speakers Jim Rees, historian and author of Surplus People, & Joe Kenny of Kennytree.com.
‘Canada’s Wicklow Roots’ will be a new permanent, portable exhibition celebrating the lives of those who left Wicklow for a new life in Canada. Descendants are encouraged to provide us with their stories for possible inclusion.
Living History performance by ‘Lord Fitzwilliam Agent Chaloner, staff and tenants’
Lord Fitzwilliam Agent Chaloner, staff and tenants of the Fitzwilliam Estate will be particularly busy discussing the details of the Clearence but they will be on hand during the weekend to answer any of your questions about life on the estate.
Launch of New Brunswick Archives Exhibition ‘In Wake of Dark Passage’ & ‘an Honourable Independence’
Guest speaker Prof. Stewart Donovan of St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick.
By kind permission of Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, this exhibition is on special loan to Canada Come Home and celebrates the Irish who made their home in New Brunswick including the passengers on the Star carrying passengers from the Fitzwilliam Estate to St. Andrews.
Buffet Dinner (Period Dress optional)
Enjoy Wicklow beef, Irish salmon and an array of fine local produce, while we share stories of hearth and homes, old and new.
Songs and Stories
Featuring ‘Essence’ the Irish Canadian duo of Karen Lynch and Paul Redmond and the Shillalagh Seanachaidh
Morning
Ireland Canada Golf Tournament
(Sat & Sun depending on numbers)
Coollattin Golf Club was founded by William ( Billy) 7th Earl Fitzwilliam who was born in Canada in 1878. Some suspect he was a ‘changling’ swapped at birth to ensure the Fitzwilliam dynasty had a male heir!
Guided Tour of Coollattin House
Finishing with tea & scones!
Meet & Greet
A chance to meet and chat with your Irish relatives over a cup of tea in the kitchen.
Genealogy in the Drawing Room
Local historians will be on hand to voluntarily help you search for your family and homestead.
It’s for the best
Assisted Emigration from the Fitzwilliam Estate with guest speaker Fidelma Byrne.
Planting of a commemorative Maple Tree
The mighty symbol of Canada in honor of all those who left our shores.
Guided Walk of Shillalagh
Tour will include tenant cottages, cemetery & homesteads.
Picnic Lunch
Local fare will be available throughout the day
Afternoon
Meet & Greet
with your Irish relatives over a cup of tea in the kitchen
Cooking Demonstration by Wicklow Irish Countrywomen’s Association
Traditional fare including Soda Bread, Coddle etc. in the Coollattin kitchen.
Living History
Butter making for the kids and an ‘Old Skills Workshop’
Vintage Displays
Vintage automobiles, farm machinery, antiques and costume.
From Coollattin to Upper Canada
With Guest Speaker
Rousing 'Irish Night'
Enjoy a good old fashioned Ceilidh at Coollatin, with Irish Stew, Traditional Music & Set Dancing.
Morning
Ireland Canada Golf Tournament
…continues.
Guided Tour of Coollattin House
Finishing off with tea & scones.
Genealogy in the Drawing Room
Our local historians will be on hand again to help you find your family and homestead.
Guided Walk of Tinahealy
To include tenant cottages, cemetery & homesteads in the area.
Unveiling of Fitzwilliam Clearance Memorial
Digital Collage a local primary school project.
BBQ Lunch
Local fare will be available throughout the day
Afternoon
Pioneer Cooking Demonstration
Corn on the cob, pancakes & maple syrup, pickling etc. in Coollattin garden.
Living History
Corn Shucking & Corn Dolly making for the kids and ‘Pioneer Skills Workshop’
Vintage Displays
Readings & Book signings
Ireland Canada Golf Tournament Prize-Giving
Will your name be on the trophy?
The Walk Home
We welcome the walkers/runners back home with the Arklow Pipe Band.
‘The Walk Home’ is intended to recreate in reverse the 2 day walk taken by the emigrants as they made the journey to the harbor at New Ross. ‘The Walk Home’ is open to all, casual walkers or marathon runners. You can walk or run the entire distance or walk a short stage. The Walk will start at the Dunbrody Famine Ship on Friday morning.
Slán Abhaile (Goodbye and Safe Home)
Closing ceremony of Canada Come Home incl. presentation to emigrant descendants.